When artist Brian Fender was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his outlook on life was transformed.
The artist, who had been based in NYC, moved home to Arkansas and began to appreciate life in a very different way. This culminated in launching a non-profit initiative, “Artists Lend Support”, by coincidence also shortened as “ALS”. Their site describes their goal:
Artist Lend Support is a non-profit, fine art website with proceeds / partial proceeds going to ALS services and research, or the Artists preffered charity. The proceeds will go to ALS TDI whose continued research stays focused on the bottom line and the money raised for them utilized wisely.
One of the first visible activities for ALS will be a popup gallery in NYC taking place this month, where three ALS-afflicted artists, including Fender, will display their works. Tucker Stilley, although paralyzed, still produces work via eye tracking to control computer art programs. Steve Dezember II uses his wheelchair to brush vibrant paintings. Several other artists will donate or exhibit works during the popup.
But what is Fender doing? He’s teamed up with notable 3D print artist Joshua Harker to produce 3D printed faces of Fender and his supporters. The faces of supporters will be captured during the opening reception using Fuel3D’s SCANIFY 3D scanner. After assembling the completed sculpture, it is to be sold to raise funds for ALS.
If you’re in NYC between April 6 and May 4th, you might want to drop by this event. It takes place at the New York Design Center, 200 Lexington Avenue, 10th Floor between 9:30 and 5:30ET (except Sundays). Tuesday night, April 7th, at 6PM is the opening reception where the works will be unveiled.
